WITH OR WITHOUT DEATH PENALTY | Suspects behind Cebu slay should be killed – solon

1 week ago

(MARCH 14, 2019) – The suspects behind the gruesome Lapu-Lapu City slay should be executed regardless if capital punishment is in place in the Philippines or not, Davao del Norte congressman Pantaleon Alvarez said on Thursday.

But in contrast, the CHR on Tuesday “strongly condemned” the crime and has vowed to help send the suspects to jail.

Gabriela Women’s Party had also condemned the killing, but at the same time expressed concern that it might pave the way for the revival of death penalty in the country.

The Philippines dropped capital punishment in 1987 following the ratification of a new constitution.

In 1993, death penalty was reinstated as part of former president Fidel V. Ramos’ campaign promise.

Rape convict Leo Echagary was the first to be executed via lethal injection in 1999.

The practice was suspended under the Arroyo regime in 2006.

As for the current administration, it’s not a secret that President Rodrigo Duterte supports the return of capital punishment.

Last February, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill reimposing the death penalty against any person found possessing dangerous drugs during a party or at a social gathering or meeting.

But two days later, the lower chamber moved to retract the death penalty bill or House Bill No. 8909, as it has yet to “cleanse” its provisions.